A Christmas gift that pleases all ages....

My girlfriend Sara moved to Chicago a few years ago. As you may have read in earlier posts, we visited in May and enjoyed some killer Chicago pizza. Turns out - that place delivers all over the country! So, Sara and Brian sent us a few yummy treats for the holiday. My Rob was very excited to have REAL pizza in the house but was completely sidetracked by the packing materials... Turns out, Gino's sends their pizza packed in dry ice. Yes, that stuff you are not supposed to touch with bare hands (my husband said you can touch - just not too long...his fingers hurt today).

Below are some photos to show just how much fun Rob was having...

What have I eaten so far today....

some Active Cheese on the way out the door
oatmeal with bannana and part of my pumkin bread (thanks Debbie!)
The rest of my pumkin bread mini loaf
Turkey breast, multi grain bread, tomato/Lettuce/cucumber/carrots (couldn't finish that sandwich)
skim milk
a few pstachio nuts
water water water water water

Yet somehow I feel like I have just finished a Thanksgiving feast. WTH?

The scale is thankfully moving down a bit. Other than a few small sweets here and there (thanks to the darn holiday cookies and chocolates everwhere!) I have really been on track with eating. I'm back down to 163.5 and have gotten rid of some of the fat right under my boobs. I attribute this to completely cutting out alcohol. Now, to convince myself to go to the gym. First, I have GOT to shave my legs!

Christmas is right around the corner. Rob is responsible for gifts for his family this year. I took care of it long enough. Of course, we ordered my parents gift and later received a card saying that it was out of stock and better luck next time. GRRRR! The cookies have all been sent. Hannah's gift is ordered. Noah is all set. I just need to get one more fun thing for Ethan...

Unfortunately, we will be spending the 28th through the 1st in NY. Not that I don't want to see my in-laws....but I kinda don't... We have a wedding to go to and I know Rob is really looking forward to spending some time with his brother. If Rob is happy, I am happy (at least I pretend to be in these situations). I have totally set myself for a hell of a time next Christmas. I promised Rob we would spend and entire WEEK with his parents. Lord help me to keep my sanity and stay out of jail! That's ok though. With that in mind, I will better appreciate THIS Christmas. We are spending Christmas Eve with my girlfriend Debbie and her fiance and Christmas is at my Aunt Bev's house for the first time in over a decade. I'll be able to see my cousin and her little boy as well. I haven't spent a Christmas with my cousin in so many years - this will be a wonderful treat! See - positive thoughts!

Finally made it an entire day eating right. That was the first in MONTHS!

meal 1: Oatmeal and Apple
meal 2: chicken, black beans, brown rice
meal 3: soy nuts
meal 4: ww eng muffin, burger, cheese, collard greens, skim milk

My only slip was one twizzler and not drinking enough water. Tuesday will be better!

'tis the Holiday Season!!! I can't believe it is already December 3rd!

Rob and I started decorating this weekend. We are slowly buildng our holiday collections up. Yesterday we cut down our first X-mas tree as a married couple. That was pretty cool. We are both looking forward to doing that next year with (hopefully) a kid in tow. I've also signed up my cousin and her husband and son to join in the festivities next year. Perhaps I'll set up some type of Tree Trimming brunch. Can't really hang out afterwards with a tree on the roof of the car but we can eat before hand - I think that would be fun! (making a mental note now).

Here is our tree on the lot. It only took Rob about 30 seconds to saw through it. Sorry for the quality, I neglected to bring a real camera and had to rely on the cell phones.

Turns out the trunk split so when we leveled off the bottom of the trunk, we actually made it crooked. It is also very fat. I'll post more photos of it decorated (and tilting) later.

On to much more exciting news...

Welcome Hannah Jade!!!! My friends Dana and Bert gave birth to a beautiful baby girl on November 30, 2007. Everyone is doing wonderfully and I am beyond words excited for them. I can't wait to go visit - which I hope to do next weekend! Here is another great cell phone photo...

Also, we have uploaded (finally) all the photos from the disposable cameras on the dinner tables from our wedding. You can see them at http://picasaweb.google.com/mirowicz. There were quite a few good shots - Enjoy!

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

We had a great long weekend. Wed was my parents 10th anniversary. They celebrated by renewing their vows, renting a limo and enjoying an early lunch. I am very excited for their happiness.

Next was Thanksgiving at our house. This was Rob and my first big holiday as a married couple and we celebrated by having dinner at our house. Everything turned out sooo wonderful! I've posted more photos on a new photo site which you can access here.

Friday we drove up to Allan and Amy's to be more conveniently located for Ed and Tara's wedding. We had a great time!

Trying to focus a bit more on what I'm eating. I have been really bad since just before the wedding. I need to drop at LEAST 5 pounds in the next few weeks. We are trying to start a family (yes, this soon) and I would like to keep the total weight under 200. That means my weight needs to be 160 or less. So far so good on Monday...

Oh, and Rob has updated our website http://www.mirowicz.com/ a bit and started a photo stream at
http://picasaweb.google.com/mirowicz. We will be uploading photos from the past few years as well as from the wedding disposable cameras and any photos going forward. Enjoy!

What a great weekend. Finally a weekend revolving around Rob and me. Friday, we went to the movies. You'll laugh, but we saw Bee Movie. I loved it. It was fun and humorous. Rob even said he enjoyed it. Who woudl have thought?

Saturday I worked 9 hours and Rob had peace and quiet at home. My mom dropped off my girlfriend's wedding gift for me. This may sound crazy, but I'm very excited to have received a DYSON for a wedding gift. I may never use it - Rob does the cleaning - but it will be the last vacuum I purchase for at least a decade! Of course, I used it on our area rug and then went to empty it....oops! pushed the button and the bottom falls out. Rob shoo'd me away and cleaned up my mess...as usual. Of course, it is the only upright not designed for 'animals'. We don't have animals yet but they are on the list of things "I want". (Which happens to be a very long list).

Next we did our T-day shopping. I figured late on Saturday night would be the best time and it was. No lines, no fuss, no muss. We had fun planning our first holiday dinner at our house. I'm really looking forward to it!

Sunday was even better. One of the attorneys we used to work with was having their Grand Opening at their vineyard in Loudoun County Virginia. We started with Bluemont Vineyard. That really set the bar for the day. The service was great, the view breathtaking and the wine was delicious! So glad I was able to drink! We bought 4 bottles to support our friend.

Next, we headed over to Corcoran Vineyards. We went there simply to buy a bottle and send to Rob's friend with the thank you note. We really had a great time with the owner there. It was pretty crowded at first but it cleared out with perfect timing for the 3 of us just to chat away for a bit. They had a grat Malbec paired with truffles and a sweet wine that when you plop a lime in it WOW! We walked with 4 bottles from here as well.

Next stop was Loudoun Valley Vineyard. This one was a bit of a dissapointment. All of the wines were way sweet - even for me. We did find two whites that we could enjoy so we bought one of each.

Finally, I've had enough wine. We headed to Leesburg for a nice dinner of burgers and a corn and crab chowder that was so so yummy!

We need more weekends like this.

I'm back! Happily Married too!

I had started to write about the weekend and the events but I have since deleted it all. There was a lot of drama and to write it is to relive it and I just DON'T want to go there. I started to include how ill-mannered some of the wives-to-be were but realize it won't change so why dwell on it. Rob and I are together and in love and that is what matters most. Those that are closest to me were there and know all the stories, good and bad.

Some of the best highlights:

• Rob and I are married (that was the obvious highlight);
• I finally had a chance to spend some time with and meet in person two women who have become so close to me over the past few years (thank you Jamie and Michelle). Those girls know way way way too much about me and the totally understand me;
• My mom finally had a daughter do it right. She could stand there as the proud mother that she is and brag to all her friends at work. That is what mom's really want isn't it;
• My cousin and I were able to move past a big hiccup in our relationship. We have grabbed the opportunity before us and our bond has grown by leaps and bounds (love you Chris);
• My friendships with each of bridesmaids has grown stronger and new friendships have developed between a few of them through all of the planning. I had 6 women stand with me (well, one was through pix and txt msg) . They each have such a warm and special place in my heart. They make all that other ickiness fade away.

For any of my Tracker friends that still pop in to check on me (thank you), here is a shot of the 3 ORIGINAL Glamz!

As you can see, I am slightly shorter than the 5'10" but they both had heels on! That is my story and I'm sticking to it.

Seeing as I was the Bride, I didn't really have much opportunity to take photos. If you are really interested, the photographer posted them at www.collages.net. Username: Michele and Robert Password 17214.

4 days to go - yikes!!! Seriously, where has the time gone???

I am only online through tomorrow so this will be my last post as a single woman. Frightening, isn't it? How am I ever going to get used to signing a new name?

Wedding update:

My bridesmaid Dana is unable to travel. Her fluid was a bit low last week. They are both doing well now but doc has spoken and Phila is too far for her. There goes 4 very special people from the guest list. The cake had changed as well. Since the count dropped we drop a tier. I ditched the chocolate since we have choc raspberry. Dana will be missed but I am looking at the positive side of things.

We now have three hotel rooms available and a few folks that missed out on the Desmond due to late bookings so we will try to shift them over. Most importantly, this has given me a great opportunity to include my cousin as part of the briday party. She should have been there all along. Back when I had to make choices, we had barely spoken. As time went along, we bonded more. As the decisions needed to be made, I had the perfect chance to have her be part of the ceremony as a Reader. Now, well, I truly believe that the past is behind us. Had we taken those steps a year earlier, she would have been part of this (crazy) event from day one. Now, cross yoru fingers that we can find the dress in her size. Thank goodness they are Ann Taylor off the rack (and gorgeous, if I might add)

More positives: Rob has been great. Proven that he really can pull through in a 'crisis' and contribute to my sanity - something he had previously done the complete opposite.... Jane's brother, Jim, and his partner, Chris, along with her friend Kristie have all been extended an invitation to join us for the celebration. Folks that I built a friendship with after the guestlist was created. Aunt Ela was able to get a hotel room at the group rate when she had previously missed out. So many good things. I need to focus on those because I am too close to tears every time I think about Dana, Bert and her family not being there.

Non-wedding items:

Saturday night we went to our friends annual pumpkin carving contest. The admission fee appeared to be 2 children minimum - 4 years and under. Wow, that was a lot of kids. Made me think I'm ready for this. It was non-stop crying and puting and I was able to tune it all out and continue on the conversations with the parents. I lost count of how many times a knee-high came up and hugged on to my jean-clad leg thinking it was their mommy. Got a few giggles out of that. Rob was having a blast even though he was a bit miffed at being beat by a child in the competition... Here are a few shots:

Rob was the long-nose, mine was the reaper at the far end. The winner was the big 'void' next to mine. Little Johnny worked for hours and hours on that one...

12 Days to go. So many things to take care of still!

Wedding update:

A few weeks ago, Amy and Debbie came over to help with the welcome baskets. I love them...

This weekend was the finals meeting with the caterer and DJ - love them both! I also had the trial run for hair and makeup. For the first time, she styled my hair absolutely perfect! I'm still undecided on the makeup. I may do it myself. What do you think. Here is a Before and After for that day. But, in comparison to my engagement photos, which I did my own makeup, I can't decide. Of course, none of the photos turned out well...

Here is a good one from the engagement photos:

5 weeks to go. Plenty of time to pump up the upper body and deflate the bloating. I think after this past weekend I will have no problem steering clear of alcohol and bad foods. I'm in mental, emotional and physical detox right now. It was an interesting weekend to say the least. I saw a side of some folks that I was not expecting. Live and learn, right? Moving on...

YIKES! Less than 8 weeks to go!

Damn, where has the time gone? Where has the gym gone???

Made a final decision on Rob's wedding band. He changed his mind on the previous one.

Looking forward to this evening. I've had a rough week or so emotionally. My friend that needs the liver transplant is back in the hospital. Not sure what his prognosis is just yet. Cross your fingers that he is put on the transplant list finally. Also, include a prayer/mantra/karma for my friend Debbie. Her dad was in a car accident and is also in the hospital. My heart breaks for them all.

OK, let's work on motivating my flabby ass in to going to the gym!!!

Yesterday started so good....and then ended with a glass of wine and cheesecake. yikes!! this morning was no better - I had sugary pastries for breakfast. gag!

more rehearsal dinner invitation photos.

OK, getting focused....

Eating right today. New workout for the gym from HERS fitness magazine. Weighing in at 160 on Monday. I did lift on Monday but skipped Tuesday and Wednesday. Tuesday I had a glass of wine, Wednesday I had three bites of cookie (and then threw it all out). So much distraction and so little time!

Wedding update: So many choices!!! I have over 64 engagement photos to choose from and I just can't decide! My favorite would be this at the top.

Of course Rob and I went back and forth constantly about which two to pick. Me being me, I wanted to be sure we chose different backgrounds etc. So, eventually, we chose these two.

Rehearsal Dinner Invitations went out Wednesday night. They turned out so incredible. I wish we could have done it for ALL of the invitations but my sanity and wallet would not have endured well. Here is a glimpse of what was in it.

As soon as I get the other shot I'll add it to this post.

Time is flying by and I can't seem to focus. I have enough stress - no sense in stressing about that too. I'm trying to get my desk organized at work which is where my energy is going right.

Today however, we did wedding things. I picked up some accessories for my hair to play around with - poor Rob had to deal with little girls at Claire's and Fire and Ice! haha

After shopping for over five hours, we finally purchased Rob's wedding band. How ridiculous is that? Every store we went in to we looked at the exact same thing for the exact same price. We finally ended with Littman's Jewelers at Columbia Mall - only because they had one free size change and a flat fee for the laser engraving. We chose a 7mm step tungsten band with brushed center and polished edges. The engraving, which Rob came up with on his one, will be "Michele 10-27-2007" How sweet is he? I almost cried when he told me he wanted my NAME engraved in his wedding band. I don't know why, it just struck me as so incredibly sweet. Unfortunately, my bands are both too narrow to engrave anything on to them. sigh

Here is an example of what his ring will look like

I also bought a new magazine today - Hers fitness. Maybe there is something in there to kick my ass in to gear again?

Meal 1: Oatmeal/Whey/Peaches
Meal 2: Rice/Beans/Flank Steak
Meal 3: Salad/Craisins
Meal 4: Chicken Fajita/Strawberry Daiquiri


Wedding update: Today, working on the schedule for the hair and make-up appointments. I have also ordered my thank you cards and the cardstock for the programs.

Food, not too too bad. I had to deal with the in-laws again and that is cause for at least one alcoholic beverage!

Meal 1: Pork/Blk Beans/Rice/Salad/Craisins
Meal 2: Yogurt/Whey/Peaches
Meal 3: Turkey Dogs/WW Tortilla/Beans and Onions
Meal 4: Champagne with SC Peach Cider


The invitations are in the mail!!!! Right on schedule too. Well, minus the few that I had to make corrections on and Rob still needs to stamp. That is only about 4 total. The hair appointments are scheduled as well. Of course there will be adjustments but at least the major block is taken care of!


I didn't do so well with eating today. My first meal was not until after 12 o'clock - talk about the shakes! Still weighing in at 161. Really need to get my butt moving, I've got less than 10 weeks to go!

Less that 11 weeks to go!



Meal 1: Oatmeal/Whey/Banana/Peaches
Meal 2: Pork Loin/Rice/Black Beans
Meal 3: Salad
Meal 4: Chicken/Collard Greens/Corn
Meal 5: Peach


Millions of peaches, peaches for me...Rob's parents came up on Friday and brought baskets of SC peaches. They are so incredibly yummy!!! I must eat them all before they spoil but I don't want to have to resort to baking with them - that could be deadly!


Took the pictures this weekend. I hope they turn out ok. It was soooo sunny out that we were very limited on where we could stand. I'm kind of bummed that they were not very candid. We're going to have tons of shots of pretty much the exact same pose. Oh well, as long as they make Robert and I look good, right?!

Not discussing BFL right now.

Wedding update: so many things - where do I begin??? Marek and Julie and now engaged! That is exciting to me on so many levels. Now, Rob's family can spread the attention out amongst all of us! HA!!

Picked up my wedding band and engagement ring yesterday.

Finally decided on a dress for Sunday's photos.

And, we have decided to incorporate one of the Polish wedding traditions in to our reception.

http://www.polishamericancenter.org/Wedding.htm.

Tonight our parents are all coming by for dinner. I'll try to chat with them about some of the wedding items. Tomorrow is my cousin's son's first birthday party. How fun!! Tomorrow night we're supposed to catch up with our friend Karen who'll be down from New York. Sunday is the photos. yikes!

Also, Marek and Julie have made the drive from Raleigh for the last time. His two-year assignment is over and they are now on their way to New York (for the next two years).

When I disappear, it is due to negligence on my diet/exercise. I hide in shame. How pathetic is that?

So, after a very stressful week, and bad eating and drinking, here I am. About 82 days away from my wedding day. 6 days away from my engagement photos. Somehow, I weighed in this morning at only 160. That just doesn't make sense to me so I will tread lightly this week!

Meal 1: Eggwhites/Eng Muffin

Meal 2: Chicken/Broccoli/Couscous

Meal 3: Activia Yogurt/Chicken/Broccoli
Meal 4: Broccoli/Tomato Soup/Grilled Cheese/White wine

I know I shouldn't drink but right now, it was necessary. I spent the evening explaining to my poor Robert that he needed to step up his wedding game. We made a list of all the things I could think of that needed to be taken care of still. If we can get that all done, anything that pops up unexpected later on will be a breeze. I think he may actually be catching on - at least for 30 seconds...MEN!

Wedding update: I can't believe I'm having my photos taken this weekend. PLUS, I walk in the office today and there is a wedding gift on my desk already. Now THAT freaked me out. It is way too soon for gifts isn't it? My shower is Sept 15th. That is really creeping up on my quickly. I better get my ass to the gym FAST!

Workout:TT Workout A - focuses on chest

20 min interval with increased intensity - not speed

Meal 1: Coffee/Eggwhites/Banana
Meal 2: Leftover Chicken and Beans/Yogurt
Meal 3: I'm not telling
Meal 4: Still not talking about it

So, it is Friday. I hit the 161 AGAIN. Anyone want to take bets on what it will be come Monday? I'm saying 163. Next week, however, I plan on working out to see how low I can get by THAT Friday. I nice little reality check about engagement photos may do the trick. I have exactly two weeks and two days from today to get a tan and trim down enough to look cute in the dress I want to wear.

Meal 1: oops, forgot to eat this morning
Meal 1: Oatmeal/Raisins/Whey
Meal 2: Chicken/Vegetables/Lavish/Grapes
Meal 3: Yogurt
Meal 4: Chicken/Black Beans/Northern Beans/Couscous


I realize that is very high carb and low protein. The office is a mess, there is no food cooked at home...ugh! What happened?

Oh, and the Gods are on my side today. I was feeling rebelious. I wanted a beer - no beer in the house. Fine, I'll drink wine - no wine in the house. Rum and Coke? - no coke. FINE, I'll have some of that pink champaign that has been sitting in the fridge since our engagement - NASTY...we promptly dumped it down the drain.

We had a yummy healthy dinner but I was still feeling rebelious. Rob went to bed early so I tip-toed to the fridge to grab a raw cookie. Halfway through my savoring indulgence, Rob comes back downstairs wanting so cuddle time - I threw the remaining dough in the trash. Yes, I contemplated digging it back out after he went back to bed but I opted, instead, for an apple. The Gods are on my side today...

Meal 1: RTD
Meal 2: Eggwhites/Eng Muffin
Meal 3: Salad/Tuna/Craisins/Baba Ganoush/Pita
Meal 4: Pork/Asparagus/Onions
Meal 5: Protein Shake/ half an apple


moving moving moving. Get those doggies moving. Yet another crazy day at work moving and packing.


I am also retiring Baba Ganoush and Pita from my 'allowed' items. After further investigation into the nutritional value, I've decided it is not worth the calories. There really isn't much protein or carbs, but there is fat. Today, I will enjoy my leftovers but no longer order. I will also refrain from eating pita with my hummus. It is only vegetables from here on out. After all, it is the little changes to our habits that make the biggest impact overall!

Wedding update:

Taking a poll from our vegetarians as to their preference on meals. Thank goodness I did! Turns out one will not eat mushrooms - that would have been horrible if I had chosen my original portobella mushroom meal!!! Also drafting my programs. That takes a heck of a lot more work than I had anticipated. Thank you, Sara, for volunteering to make them for me - you ROCK! I turned in my cake order. Had to nix the Sunflower - I don't want fondant sunflowers, I want fresh. I'll have to go back to Cheri, my florist, for that one. Still need to come up with plastic brown ribbon too! yikes - don't let me forget!

Meal 1: RTD
Meal 2: Eggwhites/Eng Muffin
Meal 3: Chicken/Barley/Broccoli
Meal 4: craisins
Meal 5: Hummus/Chicken/Pita/Veggies/Eggplant


It is much easier to get 5 meals in when you get up earlier in the morning. OK, meal 4 didn't really count but I packed my desk up and couldn't find my protein bars!


Also, I've been trying to focus on TT. They had a great podcast to listen to. If you think about it, he doesn't ask for all that much of your time. It almost feels lazy but proven to be efficient so I say go for it, right? Of course, I still didn't get to the gym but I'm doing tons of lifting at the office!

Meal 1: RTD
Meal 2: Chicken/Barley/Broccoli
Meal 3: Chicken/Barley/Asparagus
Meal 4: Protein Shake/PB

Nothing going on - gym side or wedding side. Our department at work is moving across the street to new offices so my time is spent on packing/filing/sorting etc.

Another weekend gone!

Saturday, started out ok. Egg on english muffin. Then 2 hard boiled eggs while driving to PA. Lunch was a chicken pita. Then we moved on to have one beer. Next was dinner with parents. 2 glasses of wine, a few pieces of break, broccolini, shellfish sampler, and CAKE! (then more cake - see below)

Sunday, harvest bar, RTD, then mussels and 2 dirty ho's at our favorite place in Pila (Eulogy). We next stopped by Baltimore and grabbed a burrito to take home. I guess in the scheme of things, it wasn't too bad but there were definite no-nos in there!

Wedding UPdate:

We had picked up a bunch of samples from the bakery that day to pick out our wedding cake. I 'upgraded' on the design - probably a waste of money, but oh well. So of course after dinner my parents, Rob and I sat around the table tasting 4 different flavors.

I should back up and mention we had dinner at The Desmond. I love them. That is where we are staying for the wedding and having brunch the following morning. They just really know how to treat their employees and guests - big or small. I also found out that The Desmond is where a lot of celebrities stay for QVC. Anyway, we had a great time. Next, we dropped the folks off at The Courtyard, another hotel I booked rooms at (for a lesser price) and headed to the Zimmerman estate. There, we did another round of cake tasting - I barely had one large slice by the time it was all said and done. I believe we have settled on the following:

Top layer - Chocolate Raspberry (looks a lot like Red Velvet!)
The other four will be: Chocolate Raspberry, Carrot, Vanilla/Sour Cream, and Chocolate. No fillings (too costly) and with buttercream frosting. We will have brown ribbon, clusters of leaves and a few sunflowers.

We also met with Noreen - the best catering coordinator in the world (IMO)! We settled on our menu. Cocktail hour will be filled with a cold station containing olives, breads, oils, hummus, veggies, etc. Passed kobe beef with wild rice and guacamole, honeydew/kiwi fruit shooters, bacon-wrapped scallops, edible cracker spoons with chicken curry, vegetarian spring rolls, and the best...MINI PHILLY CHEESE STEAKS!!!!!! Another thing we are currently looking in to - a pierogi station. The trick is to find a place that has true AUTHENTIC Polish pierogis (that we can purchase in large quantities from a bonded/insured facility). If Noreen can find it, she will set the station up to have on the spot sauteed onions/bacon to drizzle over the pierogis. That line could be really really really long! (or they could be horrible and the damn Poles will be offended and no one will touch them) who cares. We'll decide after she finds a price!

First course is some type of salad. Second course will be mango or lemon sorbet. Main course will be Fillet Mignon, Ahi Tuna and a Vegetarian dish (to be decided by our vegetarian friends). The sides will be garlic smashed potatoes and asparagus bundles. Dessert is the yummy wedding cake.

99 bottles of beer on the wall....


technically 99 days of wedding prep to deal with.


Meal 1: Eggs/2Toast/2 strips of Bacon/Soy cheese
Meal 2: Chicken/Zucchini
Meal 3: Harvest Power Bar/Salad
Meal 4: Protein Shake
Meal 5: ???? I can't remember!


I'll go back to lifting again next week. I slacked on the cardio for way too long. I did get a nice compliment today. One of the girls at work noticed that I have been slimming down. AND today I put my favorite pair of pants on after being freshly washed. They fit sooo much better. They were getting really tight in the ass and thighs. yeah!!!

100 Days To Go!!!! Holy Hell!!!!

Meal 1: Eggwhites/2 Toast
Meal 2: Chicken/Zucchini/apple
Meal 3: Chicken/Zucchini
Meal 4: Sangria (just one small glass/Mushrooms(spoonful)/Shrimp(2)/chicken skewer(half)/potato squares(spoonfull)/tomato(half)/cheese(3 slices)


Went to La Tasca for a birthday dinner with my girlfriend Jen. I think we kept it relatively light and only had the one small glass of sangria. Of course we sat there for 3 hours talking until the waitress came over and kicked us out. Yes, they told us there was a reservation and they needed the table. Oops!

Finally made it to the gym! Our office is taking photos for security cards today and they gave us no warning. This morning was a wash and go so I looked like crap. I chose to go to the gym, sweat, and then shower and actually do my hair. Whatever - motivation is motivation, right?

Meal 1: RTD
Meal 2: Eggwhites/2 Slices of Toast
Meal 3: Chicken/Zucchini/Sweet Potato Wedge/Salad/Broccoli
Meal 4: EAS Protein Bar
Meal 5: Yogurt
Meal 6: Grilled Cheese


Dealing with the wedding bands today. The verdict is not good. I need to address something with the engagement ring and I fear it will be like pulling teeth with Rob. Poor guy.


No gym today. I did go for a nice walk to and from the metro/jeweler. I have horrible blisters on my toes now!!

Meal 1: RTD
Meal 2: Chicken/Zucchini/sweet potato wedge/broccoli/Apple
Meal 3: Harvest Power Bar/Popcorn/Diet Coke
Meal 4: Grilled Cheese/Coldstone Cake

Don't ask me what happened. I don't eat that stuff. I was pulling it out of the freezer to throw away and I started eating it. I didn't even like it but I ate some. Stupid. And with no gym, it is not a good time to eat bad things!


Nothing happening today. Went to the dentist yet again to try to adjust the crowns. Slowly but surely they are getting more comfortable but still not quite right.

Meal 1: RTD
Meal 2: Spaghetti squash/Chicken/black beans/tomatoes
Meal 3: Chicken/zucchini/sweet potato wedge/apple
Meal 4: Harvest Power Bar
Meal 5: Protein Shake/toast


Personal goal....be nice. It has been brought to my attention that I tend to flick off at folks a bit too often. I am generally a very nice and considerate person, however, there are some moments when some one's stupidity or ignorance knocks me so far back that I run my mouth off. I know that in the end, I look the fool - but more importantly, it is unkind to another human being and truly not my style. So, as of now, I am working very hard on biting my tongue, stepping back for a breather, and THEN moving forward in a more compassionate and professional manner.



Moving on



Wedding update - nothing really. I'm more excited to begin working on Dana's baby shower! I'm also trying to come up with a solution to get more guests to visit the website. I'm thinking about putting the address on the outside of the invitations - seeing that they are already sealed and ready to be mailed.

Well, so much for those measurements!!

My goodness, I'd hate to take them again right now. I ate so many bad bad bad things this weekend. Well, mostly I had a bunch of sweets that my body is just not used to. No workouts - but we knew that.

Here is my adorably pregnant friend, Dana. I'm just so excited for her!!!

(that is a NON-alcohol beer)

The boys had tequila on Friday and pig roast on Saturday. I would post a picture but it may upset some and turn others in to vegetarians...

My favorite was our rendition of the redneck happy hour. Pregnant and barefoot with her dirty feet propped up on the keg out on the front porch. In reality, she was drinking O'Douls and the kegs were left over from her husband's birthday celebration and the feet were simply propped up because she was pregnant and on her feet all day...but a picture is worth a thousand words!

107

Meal 1: RTD shake

Meal 2: Chicken/Asparagus

Meal 3: Chicken/Asparagus/Salad

Meal 4: Protein Shake

Meal 5: Yogurt/Whey

Not doing so well with the workouts yet again. Tomorrow I head to Ohio so I know I will not be doing anything more involved than walking. ugh!

On the flip side of that, it makes a difference simply to eat right. I finally did my measurements again. The woudl be even better if I hadn't screwed around for two months!

108 Days


The spacing on blogger really sucks lately! It is constantly adding extra spaces between my paragraphs and irritating the heck out of me!


Meal 1: Kashi Cereal/Raspberries
Meal 2: Chicken/Asparagus/Yogurt/Banana
Meal 3: Chicken/Salad
Meal 4: Protein Shake
Meal 5: Apple/PB




Wedding update:

Irritated with Washington Diamond right now. Originally my ring was to be ready on June 21st. Well, they didn't order it till the following week so it wasn't ready until June 28th. Now, I could get over that IF they would have called me and kept me in the loop. Instead, I was constantly calling THEM to see where the ring was and why it was held up. It took them three calls to inform me that it was simply ordered late. So, we go to pick up the ring on the 29th...I don't like it. It did not lay flush like we had anticipated when we chose it. With the holiday, we needed to wait an additional week before we could even schedule a time to come back. The plan was to come back on July 12th, drop off my engagement ring (they still have my wedding band) to have the goldsmith make adjustments to both while Rob and I stepped out for dinner and browsed for his band. Well, yesterday I get a call from one of the girls. She tells me that the goldsmith is behind schedule and she would like to reschedule for sometime next week. They keep going on about how there is plenty of time before my wedding to get things taken care of. EXCUSE ME! This now pushes us to FOUR WEEKS past the original date. We still need to buy Rob's ring and look in to engraving. It's a good thing I plan so far in advance or I would be seriously screwed. I still need my band in my hand to shop for Rob's. I completely went off on the girl about my dissatisfaction and how we would no longer consider purchasing Rob's band from them. I pointed out that she didn't really care since they already have my money. Whatever.

Moving on. Too many complaints!

109 Days!


Meal 1: EAS RTD
Meal 2: Chicken/Turnip Greens/Yellow Squash
Meal 3: Kashi Cereal/Raspberries
Meal 4: Pure Protein Bar
Meal 5: Chicken/Greens/Squash/Boca Burger/Eng Muffin


I must send my thanks to Dr. Bowman, my dentist. I believe he is trying hard to assist in my weight loss. With all this work on my teeth...my jaw hurts after chewing. It definitely promotes drinking my meals and NOT overeating!


Workout: Cardio today. They had a cool new bike at Golds - I just had to try it out. Too bad I didn't have my biking shoes for it. You can select races and the level on a screen in front of you. It has pacers, stats, etc. I was sweating my ass off.


Wedding update:
Just a mild one. Got the bleaching trays from the dentist to lighten my teeth some. We shall see how that goes...

110 Days. Rob has also added a timer to our website http://www.mirowicz.com/. Next project is streaming photos.

Meal 1: One Egg/Eng Muffin
Meal 2: Chicken/Asparagus
Meal 3: Chicken/Salad/Pudding with Whey
Meal 4: Protein Shake
Meal 5: Apple with PB

Workout A
DB Flat Press
BB Row
Rev Grip Pulldown
DB Reard Delt
CloseGrip DB Press
DB Inc Curl
Face Pull
Push-ups

I really want to focus on my chest/arms/shoulders for the wedding so I'm tweaking the workouts some.

Wedding update: NONE. I needed a break.

111 Days to go!




I seem to have lost a few days...





Summary:

Thursday - no gym, ate OK until dinner time where I worked late and had Potbelly's. I won't confess to WHAT I ate.



Friday - no gym and I kept the eating clean.



Saturday - no gym (see the pattern). Ran around with mom all day for wedding stuff. Ate clean until dinner (another pattern?) where I had one alcoholic beverage (yogurt smoothie with rum) and popcorn at the movies.


Sunday - no gym, clean eating and 3 hours of hiking. FINALLY a day to be proud of! Keep an eye on Flickr to see the photos of mom's dress and hiking pix.


Wedding Update:
I found a great place for alterations on my gown. We're going with the french bustle. (partial bustle below)
The same family will be making my mom's dress. We said screw the browns, I like this dress better.



The invitations are stuffed and sealed. I found a corset. The tuxedos are finalized. My shoes are finalized.

115 Days to go!


Total Free Day. The office is closed and Tony wanted to catch up for Independence Day Drinks....That turned in to a total pub crawl! Had a blast but the intake of food/drink was horrible.


Meal 1: Eggs/Eng Muffin/Veggies/Coffee
Meal 2: Hummus/Baba Ghanouj/Levatine Bread
Meal 3: Cheese Pizza (one small slice, it was nasty)
Meal 4: Chili Cheese Fries


In the mix were a few drinks:
Blue moon at Mackey's
Martini at Levante's
Mojito at Thaiphoon
Blue Moon at Adams Mill
Yuingling at Millie and Al's
Bacardi and Diet at Nolan's
Sangria at some mexican restuarant in Dupont Circle
Water at The Big Hunt


In case any of you are worried, I didn't actually drink most of that. I ordered to toast, had a sip or two and then let the boys finish it - I had to drive.


Check out flikr for the entire photo documentary...

116 Days to Go

Meal 1: Grilled Chicken and Salad
Meal 2: Protein Shake
Meal 3: Chicken/Salad/Coldstone Creamery Cake/4 beers

My first treat in 7 days. It may not seem very long to you but for me it is a milestone!!! Of course, I was low on calorie intake today anyway. Had meetings in the morning and didn't end up eating anything until 11:00am. Then had the dentist appointment so couldn't chew food for a while. Maybe I break even? Either way, I'm hoping to the gym back in the mix here soon.

Happy Birthday Marek!

NOW I REMEMBER


I was counting the days for the 30 day fat loss TT program. Well that doesn't work very well if you don't do the workouts. Shall we try again. Maybe next week. This is a crazy holiday week. Doctor appt today, dentist appt tomorrow - followed by family in town, Holiday on Wed etc etc etc. I know, if I would get my ass up in the morning and go BEFORE work, it wouldn't be a problem. At least I'm eating right. That's the first step. Saturday I'm supposed to do that corset shopping so maybe that will kick it in to high gear.


Meal 1: Eggwhites/Eng Muffin
Meal 2: Turkey Wrap/Salad
Meal 3: Grilled Chicken Wrap/SF Pudding with Whey
Meal 4: Protein Shake

Nothing else going on. No wedding updates for today

Day ? (Jun 30-Jul 2) 117 Days to go


I realize the Daily Count is pointless, I don't know why I started it or what it is ultimately for... let's keep just the Wedding Countdown.


117 days to fit in to my wedding dress! LOL


Saturday (driving to PA for the night)
Meal 1: Eggs/Eng Muffin/Hummus/Coffee
Meal 2: Balance Bar
Meal 3: Salad/Turkey/Feta/Tomato
Meal 4: Shrimp/Wild Rice/Peppers/Onions/Coffee

Sunday (driving to NJ for the funeral)
Meal 1: Balance Bar
Meal 2: Harvest Bar
Meal 3: Nutrigrain Granola Bar/Peanuts/Propell Water
Meal 4: Grilled Chicken/Hummus
Meal 5: Chicken/Rice/Squash/Onions

I know I was very low on calories, low on protein and high on carbs, but at least I avoided the alcohol, breads and sweets during a very hectic and stressful weekend. It's good to be home. I may allow a slice of Coldstone Creamery Birthday Cake on Tuesday for Rob's brother's birthday...maybe.

Day 26 (Jun 29) 120 Days to go!

Meals

Meal 1: RTD/Banana

Meal 2: Egg Whites

Meal 3: Chicken/Lima Beans

Meal 4: Kashi Cereal and Crunch Bar

Meal 5: Steak/Chicken/Corn/Salad

Still no gym. Had the chiropractor this morning at 8am and need to run out and get my wedding ring.

On to sad news. Part of the reason there was no gym yesterday...A friend of Rob's passed away in his sleep Wednesday night/Thursday morning. Unfortunately, he had MS. He had been trying different treatments, and well, I guess it just didn't work. Matt was younger than Rob (who is only 35). He leaves behind a wonderful wife, Alyssa, and many other loving family members and friends. We're headed up to PA and NJ this weekend.

Love and Hugs

Day 25 (Jun 28) 121 days to go and counting


Meals
Meal 1: 2 HB eggs
Meal 2: Kashi Cereal
Meal 3: Chicken/Lima Beans/Sweet Potato
Meal 4: Apple/SF pudding
Meal 5: Protein Shake/Blackberries and bit of chicken




Finally getting 5 meals in. Of course, I roll out of bed and eat something THEN get in the shower to get ready for work...I'm sticking to protein shakes for meal 5 that way I am hungry at 6am.


Today, broke another temp crown. Damn Kashi GoLean Crunch!! I add a few pieces to sweeten up the regular GoLean...my tooth didn't like that too much. I go back on Tuesday for the permanent ones so I'll just hold out till then. Maybe it will help me control my eating over the weekend. The scale said 164.5 today. I am doing measurements tomorrow.



Dana has me completely freaked out. Bert's 30th celebration is July 14th. We're doing crabs that Friday and a pig roast on Saturday. She told me about all the yummy things that were going to be there. I think I'll carry a photo of me in a bikini and one of the dress not quite laced up as a reminder what I need to focus on.

Of course, I didn't make it to the gym today. Things got crazy at work and I had to leave at 4 for the doc. What a quack he is. This was my final appointment. I had to control myself to keep from telling him to _____. Moving on.

Wedding update:

Hmm - don't think I have any today. The shoes come in tomorrow. Maybe mom or Debbie can come by and lace me up again soon. Also, some girls at work told me about a corset shop nearby, Dor-ne Corset that I think I'll hit up. The question is - When? Do I go now or wait till I've dropped a few pounds? Of course, they do alter their own undergarmets! I think we found a winner!


Shuttle services (crap, that reminds me, I need to update our wedding site http://www.mirowicz.com/) not having much luck. We'll see what I can come up with - if anything - over the next week.

Day 24 (Jun 27) 122 days to go and counting

Meals
Meal 1: eggwhites
Meal 2: kashi cereal
Meal 3: chicken/sweet potato/salad/olives
Meal 4: Chicken/sweet potato
Meal 5: Protein Shake with Raspberries

Off day - only moderate cardio allowed so Rob and I went for a nice evening walk.



Wedding update:

working on the shoes now...

CAUTION - Wedding dress spoilers below.

Day 23 (Jun 26)
Meals
Meal 1: Kashi Cereal/Skim milk
Meal 2: Grilled chicken/Salad with cranberries and olives
Meal 3: Gilled Chicken/Apple/Zucchini
Meal 4: Potein Shake/Apple

Workout C

Underhand Seated Row
DB Inc Press
DB Row
DB Standing Shoulder Press
Intervals

I think I'm going with the concept of getting the majority of my carbs from fruits and vegetables instead of breads and grains. Not sure if that dress is going to fit. I'd be better off it was small on me, then I'm forced to behave and lose weight. If it fits or is loose, I'll use that as an excuse to eat pizza and ice cream. That way I won't have to have alterations... HA!

Another glance at wedding items. Here is the main portion of our invitations. The mulberry paper wraps around the card with the Japanese Maple Leaf on top (hence the leaf theme). The bottom right is the save the date.

Wedding dress:

Well, I got it on. I need to lose about 10 pounds. Some shots were very flattering. Others...just showed how wide I really am.

I was afraid the necklace wouldn't go since there are no pearls in the dress, but I think it's just fine.

Day 22 (Jun 25)

Meals
meal 1: Kashi Go Lean cereal
meal 2: chicken/spaghetti squash/tomatoes/black beans/apple
meal 3: chicken/spaghetti squash/tomatoes/black beans/cottage cheese
meal 4: banana/whey protein shake/couple bites of grilled pork and chicken

still behind on meals but at least eating was good today!

Work-out B
split squats
Roman Dead lift
reverse lunges
elevated push-up (I'm still using my knees but getting better)
bicycle crunch
jack-knife

no cardio - my legs totally feel like jellO

my hip still hurts pretty bad but I'm trying to work through it. May go spinning in the morning or hit the Arc.

Wedding update:

MY DRESS CAME IN TODAY!!!!!! Of course, it was supposed to be delivered to the office, instead it was sent to the house. That means I need to play phone tag and run around trying to schedule a pick-up for tonight. Pain in the butt!

caution - spoiler below.

Nope, haven't tried it on yet - I'm frightened it won't fit nice. I'll just look at it on the bed for now. The purse is adorable too. Not sure what I'll I can fit in it though! It does show the bead work a bit better.

Now I need to find shoes, possibly a veil, and directions on how to lace this baby up. I hope the necklace looks OK. I got pearls thinking there were pearls on the dress, but I was wrong. oh well!

Day 19 (Jun 22)

Yeah, I know, skipped a few days there, didn't I? I'm over it. There was definitely a splurge on the food side each and every day. As for the gym? Totally MIA. At least I am sitting here typing this while munching on a fresh salad and chicken that my Rob grilled up for me. Who cares about that unsatisfying bagel I had for breakfast? Seriously, why did I eat it? I don't even LIKE bagels! I also had a SF Skim Latte from the evil empire (Starbucks) today. I had an hour to kill before my dr. appointment.

Yes, yet another doctor in the mix. My boss must think I'm terminally ill.

I have the laser hair removal every 4 weeks. Leave me alone, I'm part Pennsylvania Dutch and those are some hairy bitches! Of course, it is not working. A note to all you women out there - Laser Hair removal does NOT work on BLOND HAIR! Most places won't even waste your time or money. This guy though, he's simply a QUACK. But he already has my money so I'm still trying.

There are my dental appointments. Those have been about every 4 weeks with a few in between. Almost home free though! The final touch is supposed to be a nice gentle bleaching before the wedding.

Well, I guess those are the only two recurring ones, but it feels like every week I have one! Now, we've added one more.

Dr. Robertson. Nice Guy. Chiropractor. Nothing like make me THAT much closer to 30! My left hip has been killing still from running, plus there is the pre-existing numbness in my right thigh. Met with him today. Will go back next Friday. He did some adjustments to my left hip and then the L4 and L5. He also did some deep muscle things around the left hip and piriformus (Jamie taught me that one - it's nice to have a friend that is a physical therapist to bounce thoughts off of). Right now he thinks the pain was caused by excessive supination. The tendon in my foot is really really tight (I get lots of cramps in cold weather) so he worked on that some (nice, insurance pays for a foot massage!) Anyway, just evidence that I'm getting old. The best part - he said I can't run or jump rope for a bit. Like I was really planning on it. I can, however, swim and cycle. Good thing too - we're going to the lake this weekend!

With that said, eating will not be good. I know there will be alcohol, not that I indulge all that much, and some nibblers that will most likely also be bad for me. I will do my best to choose the lesser evils available.

So, you all have a great weekend - I'm off the BFL clock for a few more days.

Only 127 days left. About 18 weeks. Crap, time is flying!!!

Wedding update - I found a creative option for rehearsal dinner invitations. I ordered my supplies and everything should be in next week. Way in advance, but I'll need the time to put everything together. Thank god there are only 16! What else...we picked out our guest book. Yes, WE. My hubby-to-be is still very much involved. We sent the deposit for the rehearsal dinner and the flowers. We paid the church in full. We got the stamps for the RSVPs. Of course, with the new postal rates there was nothing cute. I went with the Forever Stamp. It is the Liberty Bell, and we are marrying in PA, and it is FOREVER and all. Think anyone will get it? We ordered the cameras for the tables and a few other odds and ends. I figured if we piece mail it over the months, it one hurt the pocket as much. Christ, we've already spent over 5k out between the two of us! ugh!!!

Days 13 and 14 (June 16/17)

Crazy busy weekend. Saturday we drove up to Phoenixville to meet with the priest for the official 'interview'. What a joke. They ask you ridiculous questions and have you in separate rooms. Nothing like encouraging you to hide things from your spouse! Then, he didn't even take the time to review the book with us. We spent so much time reading over and trying to decide on what pieces we were using and he just jotted down the numbers and that was it. I had hoped he would take the time to review, read and answer any questions. Whatever. It's done now. The one great thing is he gave us the go-ahead to have Bobcia (Rob's grandmother) to do the Old Testament reading in Polish-yeah!!!

Next was the hair appointment. kinda disappointed. The color is still not quite right and she didn't cut part of it short enough. Partially my fault for letting it grow so long. Grrr. Now, it's already too long and my next appointment is not until Aug 25th. I'll never last!

Final stop Saturday - the Zimmerman's. Love visiting. This time, Noah actually gave me a big hug! He's a little shy with non-family members. We had a yummy cookout and stayed up late with some other friends that came by.

Sunday, we hung for a little bit and then packed up to head to the next cookout. Brian and Angela really went out of their way for a yummy feast. There was enough food for 10, and only 4 of us there! Spent quite a few hours sitting outside enjoying the sun and catching up.

Quick stop by my parents house on our way home to wish my dad a happy father's day and my mom a belated birthday. Then FINALLY home sweet home.

Meals
Saturday:
Kashi cereal/Coffee
Salad and1/4 Turkey Panini
Filet/asparagus/sweet potato/italian bread
4 beers and 1/2 glass of red wine
cinnamon and cream cheese rolls for desert

Sunday:
Cherry and Cheese Danish
Cliff Bar
Grilled Chicken/potatoes/yellow squash
SF strawberry shortcake
A few sips of Rob's Blue Moon beer
Slim-a-bear ice cream sandwich

All in all, I don't think it was THAT bad. Just a few items were 'free'. I'll hit the gym hard this week to make up for it. Final four-week measurements are this Friday right before I have to put on a swimsuit YIKES!!!

Day 12 (Jun 15)


Meals

Meal 1: Oatmeal/Whey/Banana/Coffee (decaf)/SF Creamer
Meal 2: Ground Turkey/Black Beans/Turnip Greens (I love leftovers)
Meal 3: Zone Bar
Meal 4: Shredded Chicken/Cheese/onions/peppers/tomato/thin pizza crust

Is pizza that bad? We made it at home so there were NO hydrogenated oils or other bad items, it was heavy on the chicken, light on the cheese, and I SWEAR I only had two small pieces. WITH NO BEER! In general, the meals suck. I didn't eat the first one until 11:30 thanks to the dental appointment and crazy work day. Talk about crab-B!

Day 11 (Jun 14)

Meal 1: Eggwhites/Red Bell Pepper
Meal 2: Chicken Wrap with Hummus/Romaine/Cucumbers/Tomatos
Meal 3: Protein Pudding/Soy Nuts
Meal 4: Ground Turkey/Turnip Greens/Black Beans
Meal 5: Frozen fruit protein smoothie (1/4)

What a messed up day. Didn't get a chance to take a lunch today so no gym. Then, while eating my soy nuts I cracked my temporary crown off. THAT made eating the rest of the day a pain in the ass. I see it as my dentist's contribution to my weight loss efforts. If she can't chew, she'll live off of protein shakes. Now Friday will be a mess. Totally swamped at work and a dental appointment first thing in the morning will make me late to work so no lunch yet again. However, Friday should be the perfect day to hit the gym after work and not run in to a crowd! I also need to time it around any classes as I need the 'studio' for legs. Cross your fingers!

Day 10 (Jun 13)

Meals

Meal 1: Eggwhites/Asparagus/Tortilla (not much asparagus, it still hurts to chew)

Meal 2: Chicken/Smashed Cauliflower/Zucchini

Meal 3: Protein Pudding/Cottage Cheese/Laughing Cow Cheese/TLC CrackersMeal 4: Protein Shake
Meal 4: Protein Shake
Meal 5: Boca Burger/Tortilla/Swiss Cheese/Mustard

whoo hooo finally 5 meals in.

TT Plan A

DB Flat Press

BB Row

Rev Grip Pulldown

DB Rear Delt Fly

Close grip DB Press

DB Inc Curl

Face Pull

Intervals
WHAT A JOKE!! Didn't want to chance running with my hip on the mend so I jumped rope instead. THAT was awful! I'm so out of shape. I could only do 40 sec intervals at a time with that!

Pamper Day!!!! I scheduled a facial at Robert Andrew for this evening. Trying to keep them on a regular basis to prepare for the wedding. My face was really clearing up for a while there and this week for some unknown reason, I have a few of the old areas on the jawline flaring up. Doc has me on antibiotics for one more month, a retin-A (diffirin) and a strong cleanser. I'm wondering if I want to ask for an additional month or 2 of the antibiotics to carry me through to the wedding day. My back is clearing up too, but that is part Doc and part tanning. That was the first facial that I truly truly enjoyed!

Oh, a piece of advice...if going in the tanning bed and using bronzers/accelerators for the bed, be sure to WASH IT OFF before doing yard work. I got a little tender from my hour outside on Saturday. Rob was fine and I just couldn't understand why I was burnt. I mean, I have a base tan. Then - the mental head slap. You dummy...you had a bronzer on still! Thank goodness I didn't use the one with tingle!!!

What's to come for the week...Finally a couple free nights (Thur and Fri). Saturday we meet with the priest again to do our official investigation or whatever they call it. (Christ, don't forget the documents!) Then I have a haircut - thank goodness, it is soooo overdue! I think Saturday night we are hanging with Al, Amy and Noah and then a cookout at Brian and Angela's on Sunday. I have yet to see their place and we've been promising to visit for two years!

Day 9 (Jun 12)


yet another dental appointment today so no workouts and limited foods


Meal 1: Eggwhites/Tortilla
Meal 2: Chicken/smashed cauliflower/zucchini
Meal 3: Protein Shake (no way I can chew anything!)


Today required heavy sedation for my appointment so can't exercise afterwards and needed to leave work early so no time for a lunch break to hit the gym. moving on

Day 8 (Jun 11)


Plan D
Snatch-grip Deadlift
Side Plank
Good Morning
Forward Lunge
1-Leg Ball Curl
1-Leg Hip Extentsion

A little frustration this time around. The trainer guy at the gym decided to sit and chat with me through half of my routine. I'm sorry, but I'mjust not that comfortable doing a Good Morning and sticking my ass out while he was sitting there. So I adjusted so that my ass was pointed in the other direction. Then I lost count of my curls and extensions while trying to be polite. I can't believe a trainer would interrupt a workout like that. I know I should excuse myself from him or something but what exactly do you say without being rude. "Excuse me, would you please go away, I'm working out here" or "If I was a guy, would you chat away like this?" sigh

Meals are still bad.
Meal 1: Black beans/Chicken/Tortilla (who says you can only eat that for lunch?)
Meal 2: Chicken/Cauliflower/Sweet Potato Wedge/Zucchini
Meal 3: 2 Bacardi and Diet Cokes/Chicken/Veggies/1/2 sourdough Roll/1 bite cheesecake
Meal 4: Protein Pudding

Shame on me. Rob had a firm event that we went to. Again, should not have had the alcohol. I didn't even really want it. I need my security of a water bottle to carry around with me and I drank it all on the way there.

Wedding update: (sorry, I'm long winded today)

I read a great article (thanks Michelle!) about MILs so I'm able to cope a little better while dealing with mine. She has been kind enough to track down the Old Testament readings in Polish and has offered to talk to Babcia (Grandma) to see if she would be willing to read at the ceremony. We just need to run it by Father Mike for approval.

She still threw me for a loop and I had to reign in control of myself. She inquired about the music (which we had already told her about). I filled in the details again about the organist and the DJ. Then she asked about a live band. WHAT?! Are you kidding me? I gently mentioned that we steered away from a live band for cost reasons. She then pipes in and said that she would pay for it. She wanted to bring in a Polish band to play while the DJ takes a break. Nice thought and all, but no. There is not enough room available for both. This is where I inserted readings from the MIL article. I branched off asking for her help with the Polish readings and said I would speak with Rob about the band.

OK, seriously. If you have that much money left over after the reception, why not kick in for something more practical - like the rehearsal dinner, brunch, flowers...yeesh!
I was so proud of myself for not losing my cool.

Day 7 (Jun 10)

Meal 1: Coffee/SF Creamer/Eng. Muff/Eggs/Cheese
Meal 2: Lobster tail/Flank Steak/Fresh Veggies/4 Scallop Potatoes
Meal 3: Vanilla Pound Cake/Strawberry Slices
Meal 4: SF IceCream

I've shown myself I can keep the bad foods out if I want to so now I just need to get enough meals IN my body. Monday we have a cocktail thing for work to attend so I'm sure I'll be starving.

OH! I got the final guestlist back from the MIL. She said she wanted to take some folks off the list to cut the numbers. By all means PLEASE DO! So, I get it back thinking we'll be down to reasonable numbers...no such luck. Still 209 on the A list. She did cut the B list to 39 though. Gee, thanks, that helps a lot. Oh well, it was a nice try. At least now I can move forward assuming we'll have a full house!

My hip is feeling much better too. I think I'll try intervals today but in different shoes and see what happens.

Day 6 (Jun 9)

FINALLY, a day to sleep in so no gym

Meal 1: Grilled Veggie Omelet/Coffee/Tortilla
Meal 2: Grilled Chicken/Pita/Greens/Feta
BAD FOODS: One Bacardi Raz (I really did not want it but I was dying of thirst and too lazy to find the water and this is what Rob gave me, gee thanks) Our friend wanted to try a deep fried Twinki. God only knows why. I sampled a tiny bite the size of my finger nail. GROSS.

We hit up a music festival in VA with friends Saturday night which is where the two bad items came in to play. Guess I had a free day afterall.

Day 5 (Jun 8)


Meal 1: Oatmeal with Whey Protein/Banana
Meal 2: Turkey/Sweet Potato/Grilled Bell Pepper
Meal 3: Chicken/Zucchini/Pudding with Whey/Banana
Meal 4: Chicken/Turkey/Grilled Veggies/Tomato Soup/Broccoli
Meal 5: SF IcreCream with Magic Shell and toppings. (I've since thrown it all out!)

Plan C:
Underhand Seated Row
DB Inc Press
DB Row
DB Standing Should Press

20 min Intervals

I think I need new running shoes. Again, after running, my hip feels like it is about to snap out of my flesh. I can't figure it to be anything else. My shoes are now at least a year old so time to go shopping. It takes me about a week to recover from the pain. I know I'm pushing 30 but this is ridiculous!

Day 4 (June 7)


My legs are still killing me! Day 4 was supposed to be Plan C and some intervals. With lunch plans and pedi afterwork I am pushing it to Friday and will hit the gym on Saturday (we're finally in town for a weekend!

Meal 1: 2 Toast/Eggwhites
Meal 2: Chicken/Blackbeans/Grilled Veggies
Meal 3: Cottage Cheese/Romain Lettuce
Meal 4: Grileld Turkey/Zucchini/Sweet Potato/Mushrooms/Bell Peppers
Meal 5: 4 small tiny itsy bitsy bites of SF vanilla iceream. I fought the cravings hard so and those tiny little drops made me feel guilty so I threw it all out.

Day 3


ow ow ow ow ow ow MY FREAKING QUADS!!!


Meal 1: 2 Toast/steak/decafe coffe/sf creamer
Meal 2: Orange Rough/Broccoli
Meal 3: Grapes
Meal 4: Everything under the son. Well, really not. I had a food tasting in PA for my wedding. I tasted for flavor only anything that looked like it was not high in bad stuff and did my best to eat the fresh grilled proteins available. No alcohol - can't trust myself to bite my tounge around his mom if there is alcohol in my system. That - and it slows the metabolism...


Still really suck at getting the meals in. I have the foods at work but I think hitting the gym midday is screwing with the every-three-hours thing. That and the fact that I had to leave work at noon to grab my parents and drive to and from PA! Man, I finally crawled in bed around midnight. Too exhausted to do anything but curl into a ball and be thankful the night is over.

Oh, and today was an off day. According to TT - do not train 3 days in a row. Works perfect considering there was no time!

Day 2

Tuesday's Meals

Meal 1: Steak/2 pieces of oat toast, decaf coffee with SF creamer
Meal 2: Orange Roughy/Broccoli/SF Pudding with Whey Protein
Meal 3: Ahi tuna/Avocado/Tar Root/Edemame
Meal 4: Diet coke (ok, not really a meal but I had it when I got home before bed for my sweet toot)

Still not getting enough meals in!

And let me just tell you how proud of me I am! Went to a trendy lil place in DC for dinner that is big on yummy Mohitos.....I said NO THANK YOU!!

Workout was plan 'B' from Turbulence Training

• Split Squat
• BB Roman Dead Lift
• Reverse Lunge
• Elevate Pushup
• Bicycle Crunch
• Jacknife

Can we say "ow"!!! Wet noodle legs the day of and the next day....OW

Oh, and more photos from this weekend were added to flickr. I fell in love with their new puppy, Jackson!

Wow I'm a year older. That feels weird, yet it was just another day.

Bert and Dana came in to town to play wedding coordinator with me. We tried another rehearsal dinner place and met with florist number 2. Waiting for estimates and then we'll be all set to make the decision. Rob will focus on rehearsal places tonight and we can make a decsision about that too. Wednesday is food tasting. Need to keep mine moderate thanks to my bad eating the past two weeks. Really upset with myself but trying to move forward. Today's eating has been the right foods, just not enough meals. I am working on this as well.

Am I my mother's daughter or WHAT!! Holy cow!

Monday's Meals:

Oatmeal with protein powder and raisins for meal 1
Black beans, chicken and romain lettuce for meal 2
the rest of my black beans/chicken and a yogurt for meal 3
Grilled chicken and Grilled zucchini for meal 4

I did make it to the gym. Did the 'A' workout for Turbulence Training followed by 20 min interval cardio on the Arc.

babysteps, right?

Tuesday I have dinner plans with a girlfriend. I am scoping out the menu now to figure out what I will have before will power becomes a factor. Wednesday is the food tasting. Thursday lunch with friends. Saturday dinner with one of our groomsmen and his wife. Sunday cookout with close friends. Monday is cocktails with Rob's office...It never ends!!!

My goals as of right now:

• Zero alcohol intake. No need to make my eyes look tired or waste the calories and slow my metabolism. I'm not even a big drinker so done and DONE.
• No sugar or sugary foods. Dentists orders, plus again, why make this harder?
• Exercise Monday through Friday. I'll leave Sat and Sun as optional for now.
• 7 scale pounds lost by July 2nd.

Tall order, but I need to push hard to undo the mess I created.

Memorial Day Weekend

Well, we'll just skip right over the food and fitness for this weekend since it didn't really exsist.

Friday, we just took it easy at home. Saturday, off to Phoenixville PA for wedding flowers. Met with one of the local places - should be getting a quote this week. Afterwards, the Zimmerman Estate as we like to call it. Hung out with Al, Amy and Noah for a few hours before the engagement celebration. Then, off to Doylestown! Had a great time at Nicole's mother's place (Dana). Absolutely beautiful house and weather. Congratulations again you two!! The official date has been set for May 10, 2008. Less than a year to go!

I was designated driver so I only had 2 beers and that was between 4 and 6pm (we left around 9:30). Can I tell you about a great feeling I had? On our way back to Amy's house we went through a DUI checkpoint. I wasn't speeding, I had my seatbelt on, all my headlights and taillights are in working order and I WASN'T DRINKING!!! What a calm and satisfying feeling THAT was. He just handed me a pamphlet and thanked me for wearing my seatbelt and off we went. It's good to be a responsible adult - really it is!

Sunday, we met with Denise, our organist for the 'big day'. She was delightful and very helpful. She had great options and we have made all our necessary selections. Everything sounds so sweet and upbeat. Rob and I even got a bit teary-eyed for the song that is played between the readings. Speaking of readings...we still have to ask our family members to do that part. (Chrissy, if you are there, this is your warning and opportunity to come up with an excuse to say no...Otherwise, we have you pegged for the second reading and will sucker you in to it over the next dinner!)

Here is a great shot of the front of the church and the alter.

The colors all match our colors so I love it even more!!

Monday, relaxing - just the way it ought to be. Nice feast of fruit, cheese, crackers and Lobster! Oh yummy yummy yummy. Now I need to catch up with Jane and Murray and show them this awesome and easy way to open those damn things!

Well, back to work and eating right. Need to hit the gym too!!!